Until We Meet Again

Processing grief is such an individual expression. I have fortunately had the chance to unfortunately talk with other widows and hear their stories of walking out their loss. Every one of these women expressed a different process. Hearing their journey has taught me one thing: even in the similarities, grief is unique to the individual.

Thankful

One of the sweetest times I spent with my children was at the end of the day when I put them to bed. If they hadn’t completely exhausted themselves, I used that time to listen to their viewpoint of the day. I especially loved to ask them to share three things they were thankful for. They would have gladly shared more than three, but I had to put a limit on it or they’d talk till dawn.

Hope and A Future

When my children went through the stage of worrying that I would die, I could totally relate. I’d been worried about departing much too soon from the moment I laid eyes on them.

Judgement

As the first example of authority my children experience, I want to prepare them for other legitimate authority figures—teachers, law enforcement, employers, government officials, etc.—to whom they will answer when not under my influence or protection. My children must understand authority and their shared responsibility, so they can live in peace and safety.